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My LS430 was my beater before that
My LS400 was my beater before that
None of my beaters are uncomfortable or unsafe. I prefer to have a nicer weekend or long trip / holiday car, and another I can rack up miles on, park in parking decks or grocery store lots all the time without worrying about door dings. I can go to Walmart and not worry about somebody scratching up my car while I'm inside.
Current one is smaller and easier to park, and sips gas, that works perfect for me/my wife right now.
Dave, I can totally understand the appeal of a "beater" car, back in 2013 when I got my Mazda I was using the same logic - cheap to lease, cheap to insure, cheap to fuel, don't care about scratches, dings, whatever. However, understand that a new Camry is not the same as an old but well kept LS430 - in a proper working order and good condition it is not a beater, even if you use it as such.
If you spend any substantial time in the Camry, you will start missing the features you LS had - the way it rides with authority, the RWD feel, the V8 engine, the awesome ML audio, quality materials, etc. If you only take it out once a while to go to run errands it might be fine, but for daily commutes you will soon hate it.
. However, understand that a new Camry is not the same as an old but well kept LS430 - in a proper working order and good condition it is not a beater, even if you use it as such.
Wait, are you telling me to 'understand' exactly what I went from and went to? LOL
Had it since 2019, don't hate it. Works great for all our in town trips and daily commutes. It's perfect for our needs right now and great as a super reliable, comfortable and economical daily.
Guys, things are not one size fits all. People have different needs, expectations and goals.
Blasphemy, say it isn't so. Never saw that coming, slackin' on the maintenance...
Free is good, guilt free miles.
At least it runs and go's and get's the job done.
When I replaced the engine in the Jeep I reused the spark plugs and water pump since they were in spec......I am beyond cheap when it comes to that car. I still use decent parts but it is not getting repairs it doesn't actually need and it gets maintained when I feel like it in some cases, the trans fluid is one that I will admit I was lazy since it is supposed to get it every 30k but I went 60k last time since I have not been using it as much as I did back in 2016-2019 since I have cars now for most of my driving. I need to replace the head gasket actually since the reman engine like clockwork developed an external oil leak at the head right as the warranty expired, I don't like a leaking car so it's on my immediate to do list before the oil reaches the pan/driveway.
It is what it is, I didn't pay for it since the owner just gave it to me in exchange for work and it doesn't look it's age/miles plus it has proven exceptionally useful and somehow reliable as well. It functions as my work truck
Last edited by Striker223; Jun 12, 2022 at 06:51 PM.
See, if my beater was mechanically unsound it would be gone, but it just won't break. It hasn't been started in a year, it needs a jump but it'll start right up and the A/C will freeze you to death in 30 seconds. Plus it has a small block...
It's a GM truck. They prefer to torture the owner with a death by 1000000000000 cuts but ALWAYS make sure to start and move so they won't actually be punished.
Wait, are you telling me to 'understand' exactly what I went from and went to? LOL Had it since 2019, don't hate it. Works great for all our in town trips and daily commutes.
You said new, so I thought you might have just bought it, didn't realize you've had it since 2019. If it works for you then it works for you.
Oh wow, my bad.
Yeah I would never give someone something that doesn't actually help them and see what you're saying.
Didn't realize it was pretty near end of life, thanks for clarifying that.
Maybe will fix if I can find a transmission. This car used to have a 5-speed manual (long story) I bought it as a parts car and backwards converted it to automatic. That was almost 8 years ago can't believe it's been that long. Anyway car needs transmission, fenders, quarter panels, front struts and a paint job clear coat is gone in several places. Camera hides a lot.
Car has the original windshield (1987) no cracks. It is scratched up and has micro pits but proves it is possible to make a windshield last many years even the life of the car. This glass almost never cracks when it gets a rock chip there is zero excuse for the pure trash that is being put in cars now.
Maybe will fix if I can find a transmission. This car used to have a 5-speed manual (long story) I bought it as a parts car and backwards converted it to automatic. That was almost 8 years ago can't believe it's been that long. Anyway car needs transmission, fenders, quarter panels, front struts and a paint job clear coat is gone in several places. Camera hides a lot.
Car has the original windshield (1987) no cracks. It is scratched up and has micro pits but proves it is possible to make a windshield last many years even the life of the car. This glass almost never cracks when it gets a rock chip there is zero excuse for the pure trash that is being put in cars now.
Nice Toyota you have. That was a great design. Is yours made in Japan?
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Nice Toyota you have. That was a great design. Is yours made in Japan?
Yes Japan made, all generation 2 Camry's sold in Canada were built in Japan. U.S. spec models* had a different (better) lower dash materials the same ones used in the ES250.
*some were built in Kentucky others imported from Japan but still with the U.S. only interior.
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
My mom had a similar one, a 1991 grey LE, I called it the choker due to the auto asphyxiation seatbelt device
since we seem to be on the topic of cars that could be moving into beater status:
what's y'alls favorite generation of E-Class? no surprise here but it's gotta be the W211 for me, although the W124 will probably go down as the all time classic
Yes Japan made, all generation 2 Camry's sold in Canada were built in Japan. U.S. spec models* had a different (better) lower dash materials the same ones used in the ES250.
*some were built in Kentucky others imported from Japan but still with the U.S. only interior.
Thankfully cars in Canada never had them.
Thanks. Never knew that. I leaned something for you
W210 definitely. How could anyone make a case against this?
I'm probably alone on this but I loved the Mercedes hood ornament and was very sad to see it go.
Call me cheesy I don't care- even if I had the funds to buy a brand new Mercedes, I would want that ornament front and center standing proud.
